Discovery Box2 Corinthians 2:16 
Context2:16 to the latter an odor 1 from death to death, but to the former a fragrance from life to life. And who is adequate for these things? 2
2 Corinthians 3:5-6
Context3:5 Not that we are adequate 3 in ourselves to consider anything as if it were coming from ourselves, but our adequacy 4 is from God, 3:6 who made us adequate 5 to be servants of a new covenant 6 not based on the letter but on the Spirit, for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
1 tn The same Greek word (ὀσμή, osmh) translated “odor” here (in relation to the stench of death) has been translated “fragrance” in 2:14 and in the next phrase of the present verse. The word itself can describe a smell or odor either agreeable or disagreeable depending on the context (L&N 79.45).
2 sn These things refer to the things Paul is doing in his apostolic ministry.
3 tn Or “competent.”
4 tn Or “competence.”
5 tn Or “competent.”
6 sn This new covenant is promised in Jer 31:31-34; 32:40.
